My friend is going on a Norwegian Cruise that stops at the following points: San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Samana, Dominican Republic. He is not sure if it makes sense to bring his kites with him. Is there kiting that can be easily accessed from those points while the ship is in port. Many thanks in advance.

When is he going and is his companion a kiter? In most of those locations it will be necessary to do some traveling to hit kiteable areas. They aren't within walking distance of the docks and tendering areas. He needs to do the research, figure out connections and his companion should be ok spending time away from the normal tourist spots in favor of kite beaches at the stops.

Try to find out from the tour EXACTLY where they will let out. Then contact the schools in that area and ask them how it all works there.

I took a cruise and it stopped at Aruba, then I just found someone to take me from the trinklet-ville center to the kite huts and rented gear. After it was over a small boat took me back to where my friends were. Its pretty easy if your friend is somewhat adventurous.

I didnt' bring any of my own gear because I knew that the 1 or 2 days kiting out of 8 on the boat wouldn't make hauling it around worth it. And because I knew I could just rent it at the site.